BLACK VULTURE. 25 
‘‘ The Gallinazos are the most inveterate enemies of the alli- 
gators, or rather they are extremely fond of their eggs; and 
employ much stratagem to obtain them. During the summer, 
these birds make it their business to watch the female alligators; 
for it is in that season that they deposite their eggs in the sand 
of the shores of the rivers, which are not then overflowed. The 
Gallinazo conceals itself among the branches and leaves of a tree, 
so as to be unperceived by the alligator, and permits the eggs 
quietly to be laid, not even interrupting the precautions that she 
takes to conceal them. But she is no sooner under the water, 
than the Gallinazo darts upon the nest; and with its bill, claws, 
and wings, uncovers the eggs, and gobbles them down, leaving 
nothing but the shells. This banquet would indeed richly re- 
ward its patience, did not a multitude of Gallinazos join the 
fortunate discoverer, and share in the spoil. 
“ How admirable the wisdom of that Providence, which hath 
given to the male alligator an inclination to devour its own oflf- 
spring; and to the Gallinazo a taste for the eggs of the female. 
Indeed neither the rivers, nor the neighbouring fields, would 
otherwise be sufficient to contain the multitudes that are hatched ; 
for notwithstanding the ravages of both these insatiable enemies, 
one can hardly imagine the numbers that remain.”* 
The abb6 Clavigero, in his History of Mexico, has clearly 
indicated the present species, as distinguished from the Turkey- 
buzzard. 
‘‘The business of clearing the fields of Mexico, is reserved 
principally for the Zopilots, known in South America by the 
name of Gallinazzi; in other places, by that of Jlure; and in 
some places, though very improperly, by that of ravens. There 
are two very different species of these birds; the one, the Zopilot, 
properly so called, the other called the Cozcaquauhtli : they are 
both bigger than the raven. These two species resemble each 
other in their hooked bill and crooked claws, and by having 
upon their head, instead of feathers, a wrinkled membrane, 
* Liv. iv, chap, ix, p. 172. 
VOL. I. — F f 
